A gravitational slingshot, gravity assist maneuver or swing-by is the use of the relative movement and gravity of a planet to alter the path and speed of a spacecraft, typically in order to save fuel, time, and expense. Gravity assistance can be used to speed up, slow down and/or change the path of a spacecraft. The "assist" is provided by the motion of the gravitating body as it pulls on the spacecraft. The Soviet Union used it first for the Luna 3 probe that photographed the far side of the Moon. The later Pioneer program used gravity assist in several missions.
Gravity assist
Questions and Answers
Q: What is a gravitational slingshot?
A: A gravitational slingshot is a technique used by spacecraft to alter their path and speed.
Q: How does gravity assist work?
A: Gravity assist works by using the movement and gravity of a planet to pull on the spacecraft, altering its path and speed.
Q: What are the benefits of using gravity assist?
A: The benefits of using gravity assist include saving fuel, time, and expense for the spacecraft.
Q: Can gravity assist be used to speed up a spacecraft?
A: Yes, gravity assist can be used to speed up a spacecraft.
Q: Can gravity assist be used to slow down a spacecraft?
A: Yes, gravity assist can be used to slow down a spacecraft.
Q: Who first used gravity assist?
A: The Soviet Union used gravity assist first for the Luna 3 probe to photograph the far side of the Moon.
Q: Was the Pioneer program successful in using gravity assist?
A: Yes, the Pioneer program was successful in using gravity assist in several of its missions.